MARINA DEL REY BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Private Dolphin Cruise from Marina Del Rey into the Santa Barbara Channel's Underwater Canyon
A private charter aboard the Blue Moon that sends experienced captains into the Santa Barbara Channel to chase upwelling-driven dolphin and whale activity on trips lasting 2–6 hours.
Private Dolphin Cruise from Marina Del Rey into the Santa Barbara Channel's Underwater Canyon.
For more than two decades The Blue Moon has run private dolphin cruises out of Marina Del Rey. Captains trained to read migrations follow the wall of an underwater canyon formed by the Santa Barbara Channel—where upwelling pushes nutrients to the surface and draws dolphins, whales and schooling fish into view.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Dolphin Migrations Fueled by Upwelling
The canyon wall and its associated upwelling concentrate nutrients and forage fish; where the food is, dolphins follow—providing the core reason to head offshore with an experienced captain.
Local Experience and Migration Know‑How
The operation draws on more than 20 years of local experience; captains are trained to locate migrating cetaceans and interpret the canyon currents that concentrate marine life.
A Marina Base, an Ocean Canyon
The trip departs from Marina Del Rey and runs out into the Santa Barbara Channel, where the underwater topography creates the productive upwelling that attracts marine life.
What the day feels like
What it Feels Like
You step aboard in Marina Del Rey and push past the harbor to the open channel, following the canyon wall where strong currents brush deep nutrients skyward. The work is patient—captains read water and movement, and sightings are the result of that attention. Across seasons the same canyon system concentrates life, and the trip is as much about the search as the encounters themselves.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who it doesn’t.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The boat departs from Dock 55 in Marina Del Rey; the listed meeting address is 13999 Marquesas Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 and you’ll receive directions and parking information after booking.
Private charters run between 2 and 6 hours; harbor cruises commonly run two hours while dolphin and whale trips are a minimum of three hours and can be extended on request.
Dress in layers and bring sunscreen; on windy days waves may be larger and sea‑sickness medication (Dramamine) is recommended—take it before departure. Bring flat, closed or secure footwear (no heels).
You may bring snacks, food and beverages including alcohol; the boat has a refrigerator, cooler and Bluetooth speakers. Ice is available by request or bring your own.
A waiver will be sent by email and must be signed prior to the cruise. No smoking or glitter onboard; certain decor items (tape) are prohibited.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How does the booking process work?
Trips are booked by appointment; the operator provides a captain and reservation at the dock. Small-boat charter rules mean the operator cannot accommodate single-ticket bookings.
When am I most likely to see dolphins or whales?
Dolphins can be seen year‑round with better chances in the morning; whales are most likely in winter months (November–February) though sightings are never guaranteed.
Where is the boat and is there parking?
The boat picks up at Dock 55 in Marina Del Rey. Directions and parking information are provided with your booking confirmation.
How long does the tour last?
Harbor cruises typically last two hours. Dolphin and whale tours run a minimum of three hours and longer charters can be arranged on request.
Can I bring food and drinks? Is anything provided?
You may bring your own food and beverages, including alcohol. The boat supplies water and has a kitchen area with refrigerator and cooler; ice is available on request.
What if there is bad weather?
If high winds or waves make the trip unsafe the captain may cancel; you will be notified by phone or email and your deposit will be refunded.
What if I get seasick?
Dramamine or another sea‑sickness pill is recommended; take it while still on land according to the product directions (about 30–60 minutes before departure).
What should I wear?
Dress in layers and bring a warm sweatshirt; wear flat shoes such as sneakers or flip‑flops and avoid high heels. Don’t forget sunscreen.
Is this activity kid‑friendly?
Yes—children enjoy the cruises. Children under 11 are required to wear life jackets, which the operator provides.